NAS or classic server: what makes sense when?
At some point the disk is full - a NAS is needed. Or would you prefer a server? Both storage systems have their advantages and disadvantages. We show you which solution is worthwhile for you and help you decide on network storage or servers.
NAS - the slim solution for the desk
NAS systems have been very popular for several years. NAS stands for "Network Attached Storage". The biggest advantage of this data storage is that you can reach it comfortably over the network, no matter from which computer. You don't have to worry about your operating system, NAS systems now work equally well with Windows and Mac. Music players also usually have no problem with data from the network storage. The advantages at a glance:
- The cost of NAS systems is low: they are cheap and they use less power than a server. This is particularly noticeable with long terms.
- Setting up the NAS is fairly simple. Many providers offer you easy access via a browser page. From there you can set everything using a graphical user interface.
- In operation, NAS systems are less noticeable than servers: You can also operate quiet network storage in the living room next to the media station or the HTPC without being disturbed by fan noise.
- Your data is relatively secure on a NAS with a RAID system. With two hard drives you can have your data mirrored, with three or more hard drives you can even use a RAID 5 array. You can compensate for individual plate failures.
- With a NAS you always have an easily accessible backup medium on site. Many devices even offer an automated back-up function, so you only have to set it up once. Even Apple users are not bound to a time capsule. Your Mac usually recognizes a NAS as a TimeMachine without any problems.
Nowadays, with some NAS, you can even take on server tasks easily. The Synology media server with iTunes support gives you the ability to stream music anywhere on the network. QNAP even equips its devices with features such as simple access control with LDAP. And while you're away, the NAS continues to download your torrents. You can find an assessment of many NAS systems in the CHIP list.
Classic server - for larger data
If the features of a network storage device are no longer sufficient for you, you can consider having your own server in the home network. That doesn't necessarily have to be a gigantic, noisy computing monster - even an old laptop or a middle-class PC does its job as a server quite well. You have the following advantages from a server:
- You are the master of the operating system and can adapt everything exactly to your needs. This is especially true if you want to install special software. A wiki for your home cooking recipes? No problem with the classic server.
- You can even control a server from outside via SSL or the VNC screen service. This is useful if you travel a lot but want to use your computer at home. However, simple data sharing also works with NAS systems.
- With Windows Server and Active Directory you can even manage office networks yourself - provided you have your own work and knowledge. Personal logins and a central DNS service for your own network are within reach. But be careful: this is only for advanced users!
- If you need a reliable web server, then it is best to take a look at the professional providers. Securing and maintaining a web server is time-consuming and complicated, leave it to the experts.
Conclusion:
A classic server offers you many options within the network, but it also causes more work and costs. If you don't need the performance of a server, switching to network storage is almost always worthwhile. But if you are adept enough and the server does more than just save data for you, the server is the better choice.
Tip: The hobbyist solution - Free NAS
The FreeNAS Project offers you a free, open source alternative to a purchased network storage device. You need to have some skill and the appropriate hardware. FreeNAS can be installed as an operating system on normal computers and transforms it into a NAS whose features are hardly inferior to the purchase systems. This is how you can breathe new life into an old PC.
$config[ads_text5] not found- You can prevent the power hunger of an old computer by underclocking the processor, because FreeNAS hardly needs any resources in the standard settings. It gets trickier if you want to use FreeNAS for data encryption. A processor has a little more to crack on this and you should better choose a newer model.
- With FreeNAS you have the intermediate solution of server and network storage. You can configure and determine everything yourself - from the hardware to the software. As a professional, you can even write your own plugins for the system. But FreeNAS does most of the work for you, and often it's not worth buying new hardware. Especially if you need a good RAID system, you can get away with a finished NAS cheaper.
By the way: If you have a Fritz-Box, you may not have to search for network storage for a long time. Read how to use the Fritz-Box as a NAS system. If you don't have a Fritz box, our comparison between QNAP and Synology will help you.